Newcastle United could use Matt Targett as makeweight for £60m Southampton deal

Newcastle United are reportedly exploring creative ways to strengthen their squad while staying within financial regulations, and one of the key strategies under discussion involves using defender Matt Targett in a potential deal to land Southampton’s promising youngster Tyler Dibling.

With the summer transfer window fast approaching and Premier League clubs under pressure to meet their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) obligations, the Magpies appear poised to offload high-earning players to manage their wage bill more effectively.

Among those under the spotlight is Targett, who is currently earning £100,000 per week and has found himself largely on the fringes of the first team.

Having featured for just 19 minutes in Premier League action this season, Targett’s struggles with injury and lack of playing time have raised questions about his long-term future at St. James’ Park.

Despite being a solid performer in previous campaigns, his contributions have dwindled, and Newcastle now seem open to moving him on to ease the financial strain.

According to recent reports, the club may use him as part of a deal to secure Dibling, one of Southampton’s most highly-rated prospects. The proposed move could involve both cash and player exchange, offering a mutually beneficial solution for the two clubs.

Dibling, a product of Southampton’s renowned academy, has caught the eye despite the club’s relegation to the Championship.

His skill, vision, and composure on the ball have made him a target for several top-flight teams. While the Saints initially valued the 19-year-old talent at £100 million, that price tag was widely viewed as unrealistic.

Now, with the Championship club under financial pressure and seeking to rebuild, there’s room for negotiation. A £60 million package, sweetened with the inclusion of an experienced Premier League player like Targett, could tempt Southampton to part ways with their starlet.

For Targett, a return to Southampton might carry a certain sentimental appeal. He began his professional career with the Saints, rising through the youth ranks before establishing himself in the senior team.

While a return could offer him more game time and a fresh start, his hefty wages could present a challenge. Southampton would need to find a way to meet his financial expectations, or the player may have to accept reduced terms to facilitate the move.

Either way, the proposed transfer could serve both sides well—Newcastle would gain a dynamic young player while trimming their wage bill, and Southampton would receive an experienced full-back along with significant financial compensation.

The clock is ticking for Targett, who enters the final year of his contract this summer. Over the last two seasons, his impact has been minimal.

He made only five Premier League appearances during that span, meaning Newcastle have paid over £10 million in wages for fewer than 100 minutes of top-flight football in two years.

It’s a sobering figure for a club that was forced to sell promising talents like Elliott Anderson and Yankuba Minteh last summer to comply with PSR rules. The leadership at Newcastle is keen to avoid similar sacrifices this time around, which places added urgency on offloading underutilized high earners.

Despite the financial logic of moving him on, Targett reportedly wants to remain at Newcastle and fight for his place. That desire, while admirable, places him in direct competition with a group of younger and more versatile players.

The left-back role is already stacked with options including Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, and Dan Burn, all of whom have enjoyed more consistent involvement this season. With this level of competition, it’s difficult to envision a clear pathway for Targett to regain regular playing time.

Meanwhile, Southampton’s managerial situation remains unresolved, adding a layer of uncertainty to any potential deal.

Until the club appoints a new head coach, questions about tactical fit and squad structure remain unanswered. Still, Targett’s profile—a seasoned Premier League defender with a wealth of experience—could make him a valuable asset for a Championship side aiming for promotion.

If he can stay fit, there’s little doubt he still has plenty to offer on the pitch.

As Newcastle balance ambition with compliance and financial responsibility, deals like this one could define their summer. They need to be strategic, and leveraging Targett’s contract situation in a package for a high-upside talent like Dibling may represent the kind of savvy business required to compete at the top end of the Premier League.